Readers React: Big Pharma should be able to kill capital punishment

To the editor: I am not a proponent of the death penalty, but I don’t understand why pharmaceutical companies are permitted to block the use of their products in lethal injections. (“Pfizer says it won’t allow its drugs to be used in executions: Here’s what that means,” May 14)

If a properly licensed entity tries to purchase medication under the direction of an affiliated physician per state and federal law, the pharmaceutical company should not be able to interrupt the process.

Pfizer, after its decision to block the use of its drugs for lethal injections, is quoted as saying it “makes its products to enhance and save the lives of the patients we serve.” This is the same company that has hiked the prices of dozens of drugs this year simply because it could. Like all pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. market, Pfizer serves itself before patients.

I predict that pharmaceutical companies might eventually have to make their drugs available for lethal injection, but the costs will probably skyrocket. Why? Because they can.

Kathy W. Smith, Torrance

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To the editor: When the authorities decide to kill a criminal, it should still be done in a humane manner. There are way too many instances of electrocutions and costly drug injections that go awry, causing the the condemned person to suffer extreme misery.

If we really have to kill a criminal, let’s introduce the guillotine. It was designed to execute the prisoner swiftly and without pain. And it would save money and lots of bickering.

James E. Bie, Palm Desert

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